Biomarkers of Exposure to Chemical Contamination in the Commercial Fish Species Lepidopus caudatus (Euphrasen, 1788): A Particular Focus on Plastic Additives

Abstract

In recent years, the Mediterranean Sea has become an accumulation zone for waste generated by the 22 countries bordering its shores. Although the effects of plastic litter on the marine environment and on organisms have recently been studied in other areas, further information is needed for the Mediterranean Sea and, in particular, about plastics additives inputs and interactions with the biota and the trophic network, such as phthalates and bisphenol A. Plastic material production, use and disposal contribute also to the release of heavy metals into the environment, such as mercury (Hg), often used during the production of chlorine, the primary ingredient in PVC, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd), which are used as stabilizers in PVC and leach out of products during use and disposal. Our research aims to evaluate phthalates, bisphenol A and heavy metals contamination in Lepidopus caudatus (Pisces, Trichiuridae), which could be considered as a potential sentinel species. For the evaluation of toxicological effects, we evaluated the expression of vitellogenin and metallothioneins 1. In all samples analyzed, we have not found microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract but chemical analysis revealed the presence of high content of phthalates, and in particular high quantities of DIDP, DEHP, bis-benzylester phthalate, bis-butyl ester phthalate and mono-N-butyl ester phthalate in different organs. Instead, trace elements detected in tissue revealed a trend of concentrations generally higher in liver and intestine than gill and muscle tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis for anti-metallothionein 1 antibody showed a strong positivity of liver cells, both in females and males. Analysis for the anti-vitellogenin antibody showed in females a strong positivity both in the liver cells and in the gonads, in male specimens was found to be always negative except for a specimen, in which it was highlighted a positivity in some areas of the liver and of the gonad.

Fish-Based Baby Food Concern—From Species Authentication to Exposure Risk Assessment

“…In addition, methylmercury has a number of health effects such as cardiovascular disease [ 57 ], adult and developmental neurotoxicity [ 58 ] and developmental immunotoxicity [ 59 ]. In the specific case of methylmercury, fish meat is the dominant contributor to dietary exposure for all age classes, followed by fish products [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 ]. In particular, tuna, swordfish, cod, whiting, pike and hake were major contributors to methylmercury dietary exposure in children [ 64 ].…”

Chemical Characterization and Quantification of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) and Dissolved Ag in Seafood by Single Particle ICP-MS: Assessment of Dietary Exposure

“…Literature data report in-vitro genotoxicity of AgNPs, for eg. in human bronchial epithelial cells HBEC3-kt, human TK6 cells, human keratinocytes (SVK14), and mouse fibroblasts (NIH3T3) [ 54 , 55 , 56 ], nevertheless, genotoxicity depend on the characteristics of NPs and the type of cells exposed [ 54 ]. Regarding Ag + , no genotoxicity was found nor in vitro [ 56 ] and after oral exposure in a mouse model [ 57 ].…”

“…in human bronchial epithelial cells HBEC3-kt, human TK6 cells, human keratinocytes (SVK14), and mouse fibroblasts (NIH3T3) [ 54 , 55 , 56 ], nevertheless, genotoxicity depend on the characteristics of NPs and the type of cells exposed [ 54 ]. Regarding Ag + , no genotoxicity was found nor in vitro [ 56 ] and after oral exposure in a mouse model [ 57 ]. In-vivo studies revealed how AgNPs can enter the blood circulation, cross the blood-brain barrier and bioaccumulate in different organs after oral administration [ 53 , 58 , 59 , 60 ].…”

Bioaccumulation of Metals/Metalloids and Histological and Immunohistochemical Changes in the Tissue of the European Hake, Merluccius merluccius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Gadiformes: Merlucciidae), for Environmental Pollution Assessment

“…Histological analysis was performed according to our standard laboratory procedures [28]. Liver and gills were fixed in 4% formaldehyde (Bio-Optica, Milano, Italy) in PBS buffered to 0.1 M, pH 7.4 (Sigma Life Science) at room temperature for 48 h and processed with Tissue Processing Center TPC 15 Duo (MEDITE ® , Burgdorf.…”